Eulogy for a steering wheel holder

This may sound like another driver whining about truck driving, and I suppose that is exactly what it is.

In 2005 I obtained my CDL and was hired by a training company. I lasted a little over 30 days and honestly, it was the worse 30 days of my life. My trainer was the filthiest individual I had ever met and the truck could have easily been condemned by any department of health. Being new, I assumed this would be the norm. I stuck it out until I returned to the terminal for a road test, which I promptly failed. No one to blame but myself.

I went home with my tail between my legs, licked a few wounds, and searched for a job, any job. About 18 months later, I still had the itch. I wanted to drive. Call it the “BJ and the Bear syndrome“, but there was, and still is, something about driving a big truck that fascinates me. Whether it is the lifestyle or just the image of navigating such a large vehicle from one coast to another, north, south, east and west. It was like a narcotic.

Once again the itch developed and I applied and was hired by CR England. Surprisingly, despite all the bad things reported, I had a pretty good time with England. Plenty of miles, a good trainer, a truck without bedbugs or roaches, and a decent co-driver following training. However, issues at home with teen-age children soon brought an end to the fantasy. Six months was all the family could take. Once again, I went home dragging arse and wishing things could have been different.

Are we beginning to see a pattern here?

I tried once more about a year later. Once again the same pattern developed. Six weeks and back home. Pete and Re-Pete. Heck, if I was a trucking company I wouldn’t hire me, despite the fact of no accidents or tickets. Lousy work record, no stamina for the long haul.

Fast-forward to summer 2010, teen-agers are grown up and moved out. Now is my chance. Discussed and received the wife’s blessing. Hired by CRST, loaded my pick-up with bedding, clothes and hygiene items and headed to Springfield, Mo. for a refresher. Got a phone call from home while en route. Dad had a major heart attack back in Indiana. Called CRST and explained the situation and was told to get things settled and call them back. Packed up the wife and moved to Illinois where we could be closer to our ageing parents. The big guy in the sky simply does not want me to drive a truck.

I tried to transfer my CDL from South Carolina to Illinois. Whoa, what a friggin nightmare. State law requires all written tests PLUS a road test to transfer a CDL to Illinois. The written tests are not an issue. WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I GOING TO GET A TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR A ROAD TEST?

Hence the eulogy. It’s time to forget about driving and turn in my CDL. As much as I would like to continue this fantasy, it’s time to admit that that’s all it is: A Fantasy. There may be many professional drivers that are happy to see one less steering wheel holder off the big road, but for this former driver, it’s like a funeral procession every time a see a big truck.

Those of you that drive, my hats off to you. Keep it safe and good luck.

 

I just wish the Big Guy would reveal his plan for me. 54 is too old to start a new career......and too young not to. I need a crystal ball.

 

Yes I'm sure there is a way. Just have'nt discovered the loophole yet. Trying to do things the right way. It's an integrity thing. My understanding is this is the corrective action for Govenor Ryan's grey bar vacation and selling CDL's through third party examiners.

Just really have a lot of doubt at the moment and accessing the value of returning to the road.